Records tumbled at the 27th Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild auction held in the Stellenbosch winelands earlier today, with a record turnover of R5,286,700, a new record price for red wine, and overseas sales doubling.

The Guild’s auction is recognised as South Africa’s leading wine auction open to the wine trade and the general public. All the wines are crafted exclusively by members of the Guild to represent the pinnacle of what can be achieved in South African winemaking.

Despite the record turnover (up by R1,4 million over the previous year) and some outstanding prices, the 2011 Auction offered excellent value for money and great diversity.

The highest price per case, a new auction record of R6,000, was paid by a Belgian buyer for the Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Auction Reserve 2009.

The auction, conducted by Henré Hablutzel of Hofmeyr Mills Auctioneers for the 14th consecutive year, attracted 122 buyers including 19 from overseas with a total of 2,955 cases sold at an average price of R1,789 per case equivalent of 6 x 750ml bottles. The line-up of 56 wines included 38 red wines, 13 white wines, 2 méthode cap classique sparklings, a dessert wine, a port and a potstill brandy.

Alan Pick of The Butcher Shop & Grill for the 10th consecutive year was the biggest spender at R1,3 million. The bulk of the wines, over 70%, was bought by local buyers. A record R1,5 million was spent by overseas bidders headed by the United Kingdom, with R586,400 this year. Overseas bids came from the UK, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Namibia, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Netherlands and Canada.

In addition to the record-breaking red wine, other top-selling wines included Kanonkop CWG Pinotage 2009 with an average price per case of R3,843, Hartenberg Estate Auction Shiraz 2009 selling at R3,264, Kanonkop CWG Paul Sauer 2008 at R3,237, Bouchard Finlayson Pinot Noir 2009 at R3,212, Neil Ellis Rodanos 2007 at R3,125 and the Saronsberg Die Erf Grenache 2010 averaging at R2,677.

Amongst the white wines, top sellers were Jordan Chardonnay Auction Reserve 2010 with an average price per case of R2,285, Paul Cluver The Wagon Trail Chardonnay 2009 at R2,100, and Cape Point Vineyards Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2010 at R1,822.

In addition to the main auction, a total of R132,600 was raised in aid of the Cape Winemaker’s Guild Protégé Programme, a mentorship initiative for young upcoming winemakers.

For further information visit www.capewinemakersguild.com or contact the Guild office on tel: +27 (0)21-852-0408 or email info@capewinemakersguild.com.